Sport

New trainer, new tricks and a new-look Amir

AMIR Khan has promised fight fans they will see a new and improved boxer when he steps into the ring to face Carlos Molina in Los Angeles on December 15.

Since defeat to Danny Garcia in his last fight in July, the Boltonian has swapped trainers from Freddie Roach to Virgil Hunter in a bid to reignite his world title chances after successive defeats for the first time in his 29-fight professional career.

And the 25-year-old says Hunter, who trains current WBA, WBC and The Ring super middleweight champion Andre Ward from his San Francisco base, has made him into a better and smarter fighter.

And that includes addressing concerns over his defensive strategy in the ring, something an honest Khan was quick to flag up after the Garcia loss.

Khan said: “People are going to see a different and better Amir next weekend.

“The training camp with Virgil has been brilliant, quiet and focused in San Francisco with less distractions. He has been teaching me new stuff and I can see the difference already.

“I have learnt a lot of new tricks and how to become a smarter boxer in the ring, one that thinks things through more.

“I am a lot more relaxed and cannot wait to get in there.

“I wanted to look at the defence and we have worked on that and having the right offence which helps with that.

“As well as the tough training camp, Virgil has talked a lot with me about technique and tactics because it is about training your mind as well.”

For his part, Hunter has been equally impressed with Khan’s attitude in their first camp together.

He is confident he can make him a complete boxer without changing his explosive style.

Hunter said: “I have been very pleased with the progression Amir has exhibited and the ability to understand what is required. It has been very demanding in training but he has responded in the right way.

“I don’t want to take away the exciting fighter we all know, just encourage a greater understanding of when to turn it on at the right times in the ring.

“What has impressed me most is the fact the Garcia defeat has not affected his confidence and that has made my job easier.

“He is an exceptional fighter and I’m confident he will show that against Molina.”

Khan’s opponent is unbeaten in 18 fights with 17 wins and the Bolton man knows he faces a tought test in the Californian’s back yard.

But he is ready to bounce back to winning ways.

Khan added: “He is very confident; he will probably think it is a good time to catch me in front of his own fans in his home state.

“But I am a different Amir now and we are ready; we have worked hard in training and know what it will take to beat Carlos Molina.”

Khan v Molina is live on Sky Sports 1HD and on mobile and tablet devices via Sky Go from 2am on Sunday, December 15.